Sudan Plane Crash Claims 46 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict
A Sudanese military transport plane crashed on Tuesday night, killing 46 people and injuring 10 in a residential area near Khartoum. The military attributed the crash to a technical malfunction during takeoff amidst ongoing conflict with the RSF. This escalation follows recent military developments and highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the power struggle in Sudan.
On Tuesday night, a Sudanese military transport plane crashed into a residential area on the outskirts of Khartoum, resulting in 46 fatalities and injuring at least 10 others. The Antonov aircraft went down near the Wadi Seidna air base, a significant military installation in Omdurman. The Sudanese army, which has been in conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, stated that the crash occurred during takeoff, impacting both military personnel and civilians.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and noted damage to several nearby homes, which also caused power outages in the surrounding neighborhoods. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured, including children, to local hospitals for treatment. A military source indicated that the crash was attributed to a technical malfunction but requested anonymity due to restrictions on discussing the incident publicly.
This tragic event follows a series of violent developments in the region. Just a day prior, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a Russian-made Ilyushin aircraft over Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of the crew onboard. The conflict has intensified recently, with the army making territorial gains while the RSF has allied with various political and armed groups to establish a parallel government in rebel-controlled territories.
The ongoing struggle for power between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamadan Daglo has escalated since April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis impacting millions of Sudanese citizens. The United Nations has classified the violence, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 12 million, as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent history, severely harming infrastructure and causing widespread hunger.
The plane crash in Sudan underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF. With significant military and civilian casualties reported, the incident reflects the growing instability in the region as both sides continue their power struggle. The international community must address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the ongoing violence and support recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
